frosty's ersatz m10 project: first report
i'll b using Hasegawa 1/72 Panther ausf. G as the basis for the conversion. ( i already had a Revell Panther D/A, but decided 2 keep that for another project... it really is a nice looking kit as domi says !)
the conversion will b done in almost the same way as the prototype.
removal of commanders cupola & rear stowage boxes
adding new parts: false glacis plate, false mantlet, false turret armor, flush hatch , false differential covers, replacement side skirts and rear deck assembly
adding details: lifting hooks, bolt detail, lights, front step, spare track
most of the new parts will b scratchbuilt w/ styrene sheet, strip and rod, and details scrounged from other kits or scratchbuilt also.
so far i've:
sawed off the commander's cupola, filled in the hole with a sheet styrene plug (used my new circle cutter, only took about 6 tries, lol)
sheet styrene shims and some squadron green putty
cut patterns/templates for new glacis, side skirts, and back plate
installed styrene strip spacers to front of glacis on Panther (this is so the false glacis will clear the mg mount, just like on the prototype)
i think the things that will give me the most trouble will b the differential covers and the compound angles on the front and rear of the false turret armor .
i'm also in 4 a fair amount of puttying, filing and sanding all around. these r my least fave things, but by working this way i hope that my skill in these areas will improve a little bit.
well, that's my project at a glance. i'll keep posting updates, and some pix will b coming as well.... stay tuned 2 this channel !
good luck and happy modeling 2 u all !!!
frosty